Shalala Fletcher, a 36-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on July 2, 2016, in Port Arthur, Texas. Fletcher was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a theft incident at the Express Mart on Jimmy Johnson Boulevard. The vehicle was occupied by two suspected thieves who had stolen cases of beer from the store. As the suspects attempted to flee the scene, Michael Turner, a 67-year-old off-duty security guard, intervened.
Turner, who was trying to prevent the suspects from escaping, used his vehicle to block their path and fired multiple shots from his 9 mm handgun. One of the bullets struck Fletcher in the back, passing through her ribs, aorta, and lungs, ultimately causing her death.
Following the incident, Turner was indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury for criminally negligent homicide. The indictment came about two months after the shooting, and Turner was arrested and charged with the state jail felony, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. Turner's attorney, Scott Renick, argued that his client was trying to intervene in a robbery and that his actions were legal under Texas law. Turner claimed that he was attempting to shoot out the tires of the fleeing vehicle and did not intend to harm Fletcher.
The case garnered significant attention from the local community, with calls for justice from black ministers and NAACP chapters. Fletcher's family, including her parents and children, filed a civil lawsuit against Turner, seeking more than $1 million in damages. Turner's defense maintained that he was immune from liability, arguing that his use of deadly force was justified and necessary. The district attorney's office eventually dismissed the criminal case against Turner, concluding that his actions did not violate Texas law.
Fletcher's death remains a poignant reminder of the complexities and consequences of using deadly force in situations involving suspected criminal activity. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and the legal system in determining the appropriate use of force and the impact on innocent lives.
